Wanko soba (わんこそば) is a style of Japanese soba noodles originating from Iwate Prefecture in Japan, particularly Morioka and Hanamaki.

The name wanko comes from the regional dialect of the Iwate Prefecture from which it comes, meaning "bowl", but more specifically, a small, wooden Japanese soup bowl.

However, as the term wanko did not come about until after World War II, some repudiate the stories.

In December 1957, the Hanamaki-shi Cultural Centre was the site of the first annual contest of who could eat the most bowls of wanko soba.

The event continues to this day, featuring noodle fans from many countries.